Entry rules are set by the Tanzanian and Zanzibar governments and can change. Check the official sources linked here, and your own government's travel advice, before you fly.
Your checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months after your arrival, with at least one blank visa page.
- Visa — the official e-visa for most nationalities. See our Tanzania visa guide.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Yellow fever certificate — only if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with a risk of yellow fever (see below).
- Zanzibar travel insurance — if you visit Zanzibar.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover — strongly advised for everyone.
- Your itinerary and first address in Tanzania — we send these with your booking.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the day you arrive and have at least one blank page for the visa stamps. If you are close to the limit, renew it before you apply for your visa — the visa is tied to the passport number.
Yellow fever
Tanzania asks for a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission — and from travellers who have transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of such a country. Several neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, are on that list, so a long layover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa can trigger the rule.
If you fly directly from Europe, North America or Australia, or connect quickly, you usually do not need it. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before you arrive. Ask your travel clinic and your airline about your exact route.
Health
Beyond yellow fever, no vaccines are required to enter Tanzania, but doctors usually recommend routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid, and antimalarial tablets for safari areas and the coast. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go. More in our travel safety guide.
Zanzibar's mandatory insurance
Every visitor to Zanzibar must buy the government's own inbound travel insurance before arrival, even if you already have travel insurance. It is cheap and quick to buy online. Full details: Zanzibar travel insurance.
The plastic bag ban
Tanzania banned plastic carrier bags in 2019, and the ban is enforced at the airports. Do not pack shopping bags or carry duty-free goods in them. Clear zip-lock bags for toiletries in your hand luggage are generally accepted, but take them home with you.
Drones
Flying a drone in Tanzania needs permits from the civil aviation authority, and drones are not allowed in national parks without special permission. Unless you have arranged permits well in advance, leave your drone at home — it may be held at customs.
Money and customs
You can bring personal items, cameras and binoculars without trouble. Large sums of cash must be declared. US dollars are widely used for safari extras and tips; bring clean notes printed after 2009, as older or torn notes are often refused. More in our travel advice.
Arriving at the airport
Most of our guests fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), between Arusha and Moshi, or into Arusha Airport (ARK) on regional flights. Have your passport, printed visa grant notice, yellow fever certificate (if needed) and return ticket ready. After immigration and baggage, our driver meets you in the arrivals hall — airport transfers are part of our safari packages.
